Oh, spring is definitely here in my neck of woods! It feels nice to walk outside in the evenings with my doggies and be able to stroll around in just a light sweater or long sleeve top. Weather like this makes me wanna CO every lace shawl pattern I have queued or in my favorites! My WIP pile would not be very happy with me if I did that though, so I'm trying to maintain some self control. I have a couple sweaters to finish, and a shawl that's been growing steadily and needs finishing before I CO for something new. It's been fun browsing Ravelry in the meantime with thoughts of knitting intricate lace on my back patio in the sunshine while sipping on a lemonade... maybe I need to be spending more time knitting those WIP's than browsing Rav before the sunshine dissappears!

By the way, not that this has anything to do with the giveaway, but I've gotten a new haircut! I wish I had a picture to share; however, I'm really not a picture person. Maybe I'll see if I can get one this week to post for you. I cut off about 8 inches and I now have a cute shoulder length layered bob. It feels nice and it makes me wanna clean and organize my yarn and crafting stash. Kinda like spring cleaning, but only for the things I enjoy - just in case you wanted to know all of that!

Now, for the stuff you're really here for... I have a sweet and talented designer back on the blog, Stephannie Tallent. She is scheduled to release a new knitting book called California Revival Knits very shortly and she's here to chat about it with us. Check out my interview with her…

Stephannie along with Cooperative Press have put together a very lovely and generous giveaway for you this time. One winner has the opportunity to win a full PDF copy of the California Revival e-book plus five skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk - enough yarn to knit up a Peacock Stole for yourself in that beautiful rich blue!

That's not all! One runner up will also receive a copy of the e-book as well. Enjoy!

I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 4/22/12. What's your favorite California Revival Knits pattern? I'm really wanting to knit the Peacock Stole that's being featured for the giveaway.

I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

I love the color :) I'm thinking that because I'm in a sock mood, I love the Wrought Socks (and their matching fingerless mitts, of course). If I knew how to wear a cowl without looking like a mule, I'd go with the Undersea Garden Cowl...but I look stupid in cowls. Oh well....

What a wonderful collection Stephannie has created! The first thing that caught my eye was the peacock mitts. So elegant and detailed. I love wearing animals, but it can be tricky to find animal prints that are cutesy. The wrought iron cardi is also great, and I loved hearing her love for old houses and the way that inspiration made it into her knitting design!

Holy cow what a great giveaway! Thank you for that. California Revival Knits looks awesome. It's so hard to choose a favorite. I have to go with the Peacock Shawl as my number one but the Wrought Iron Cardigan and the Wrought Socks are up there too.

I am taken with the Wrought Mitts in particular. A lovely interpretation of the beautiful wrought iron details incorporated in so much California architecture. Not to mention the Peakcock shawl is a great pattern.

Hi Ve,I'm really excited about your haircut and cannot wait to see it!I like the Wrought Socks. I haven't knitted socks since before junior high, which that project did not end up well (the socks were the size of my feet times two!), but I'd love to try these!Enjoy the sun and happy knitting.Pavla

I'm fond of all 4 of the wrought patterns (beret, cardigan, mitts, and socks). If I had to narrow it down I'd have to pick the wrought socks, and the wrought iron beret. I love knitting socks and hats.

Hmmm... Stairsteps Tam or Peacock Cowl-- her colorwork is gorgeous! And I live in California, so I see both the Mediterranean Revival tilework AND the peacocks on a regular basis. :) Thanks for the lovely giveaway!